18-year-old striker Divock Orgi of Lille has caught the eye of the Reds’ boss having scored five goals in the French league this season whilst 17-year-old Julian Brandt, and 21-year-old Son Heung-min of Bayer Leverkusen are also being monitored by the Liverpool manager.

Arsenal are also said to be interested in Belgium under-21 striker, Orgi.

Former Liverpool player Ray Houghton has urged the side to take inspiration from fierce rivals Manchester United, particularly their title triumph in 1993 when they ended a 26-year wait for a top flight title at Old Trafford.

He is quoted in the Daily Express, saying: “You can get through this on exuberance. There are other clubs who have done that.

“Look at Manchester United in 1993 after they had waited 26 years. Their players hadn’t done it before. They didn’t know how to do it. Yet they went out and won it.

“What you’ve got to do is keep momentum and keep belief. If Liverpool can do that, they can go and pick up the big prize.”

There is more reaction to the Hillsborough memorial service at Anfield yesterday – where managers of both Liverpool and Everton gave speeches in front of approximately 25,000 people who marked the 25th anniversary of the disaster.

Martinez was quoted, saying: “Over 25 years you have overcome so many wrongs. For 25 years you have gained the respect of those both within and beyond football. I don't need to tell you that Everton are with you, you know that. Everton remembers, we always will.”

Rodgers followed Martinez with his own tribute, after thanking the Spaniard for his speech, saying: “Without doubt the single biggest source of inspiration for me is every match day at Anfield, when I arrive at this ground and see the memorial and the 96 names.”

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.